Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: John Burkowski, Florida

This year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students.

But who are they, really? We asked these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet John Burkowski: 

John Burkowski, Academy for Advanced Academics South
2017 Florida History Teacher of the Year

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
I recently visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. I was fortunate to secure tickets for late-morning admission. I decided to first visit the History Galleries on the bottom floor. What an experience for a history nerd and teacher. The experience took me back in time to 1400. From there I viewed an amazing presentation of historical facts and primary sources. I traveled forward in time by walking through gallery levels and then onto ramps to new eras in African American history. It was an extraordinary display of continuity and change over time. The primary sources were powerful and supplemented the textual explanations. I kept imagining how I could "teach" all this by simply bringing my students to take the journey and let them get lost in the history. Obviously, I spent most of my time in the History Galleries.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
One of the main deterrents of seeking a teaching job is the pay. And yes, in this day and age, teaching will not make one independently wealthy. But teaching is a passion. My advice is to discover a career where you always wake up and want to go to work. And those who want to teach should be driven by waking up being happy to inspire the next generation and not focused on achieving a great wealth. It is easier said than done, but teaching a class is not the limit. I seek out new avenues of professional development and new opportunities to gain more knowledge and understanding of my subject in order to help fellow teaching colleagues who also share the responsibility of educating the next generation citizens.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
There is absolutely no question I would meet Alexander "The MAN" Hamilton. And I loved Hamilton before it was cool. I read the biography by Chernow in 2004 and it only solidified what I already believed about Hamilton. He was the embodiment of the American identity—an immigrant to the American shores who quickly makes his talents known and appreciated. He dedicates himself to the cause of independence and gains the confidence of the Father of the Nation, George Washington. He is influential in every major political and economic development of the Early Republic, including the Constitution and the national economy. His critics have their arguments, but I absolutely believe he truly dedicated himself to the idea of America.

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
One memory happened recently. I assigned students a historical role in a Model Congress activity I developed. We had been discussing major historical events and policies throughout the year using the Model Congress. By the time we made it to the New Deal, the students became extremely confident in assuming roles and researching. A few of my students were practicing their arguments and it caught the attention of a university professor sitting nearby. She inquired to why they were discussing such issues and decided to assist them. She offered legal advice and helped with developing their oral arguments. The students excitedly recalled the experience to me and how one student was offered further assistance by the professor. I was proud the students became so engaged with the activity and how it inspired others to join in on the fun.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
If I could qualify this with a favorite film or clip I love to use to teach US History—I use three clips from Amistad. The depiction of the Middle Passage journey is heart-wrenching and an illustration of how brutal the American slave trade was to so many innocents. I also use the White House dinner scene focused on John C. Calhoun. The writing of the dialogue is a fantastic way to illustrate point-of-view with the Spanish ambassador and President van Buren. It also a fantastic way to provide an additional take on his Positive Good speech, which we previously analyzed. One important line is when Calhoun mentions how slavery is "interwoven in the fabric of society," alluding to cotton. The final clip is the oral argument by John Quincy Adams in support of the Amistad defendants. His monologue’s use of connecting to the past with the Founding Fathers allows students to visualize the legacy of the Founders on subsequent historical developments.